Stay Strong, Stay Healthy
Stay Strong, Stay Healthy (SSSH) is an eight-week fitness program designed to help you stay active and healthy as you age through hour-long classes held twice a week. Led by trained instructors, the program features warm-ups, simple strength exercises, and cool-downs that focus on functional movements to improve strength, balance, and flexibility in a safe, supportive environment. In-person participants are provided with a chair and weights, while virtual options are available for those with equipment at home. All you need is comfortable clothing and tennis shoes, and you'll also receive an exercise guide to maintain your progress beyond the class. Learn more from the MU Extension Stay Strong, Stay Healthy website.
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed for adults aged 60 and older to help reduce the risk of falls and address the fear of falling, which is the leading cause of injury-related deaths and loss of independence among older adults. The program educates participants on how to modify their environment to minimize fall risks and incorporates strength and balance exercises to enhance flexibility and stability. It is ideal for those who have fallen before, limit activities due to fall concerns, or want to maintain an active lifestyle. Participants must be ambulatory and able to problem-solve. They will gain practical strategies to stay safe and confident while continuing to enjoy daily activities. Learn more from the MU Extension A Matter of Balance website.
Cooking Matters
Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. Our Cooking Matters programs teach smart shopping strategies and healthy cooking skills that can help you prepare nutritious, low-cost meals and snacks at home. Though all of our hands-on Cooking Matters programs offer nutrition information, handouts and recipes you can cook on a modest budget, we tailor our six-week courses to different ages and groups. Select the Cooking Matters course that’s right for you: Cooking Matters for Adults, Cooking Matters for Families, Cooking Matters for Parents, Cooking Matters for Childcare Providers, or Cooking Matters at Home. Learn more from the MU Extension Cooking Matters website.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention
The Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention program is designed to improve multiple aspects of health through slow, gentle movements that can be practiced almost anywhere. The degree of exertion can be easily adjusted, making this program suitable for adults of all levels and abilities. Tai chi is one of the most effective, easy-to-learn exercises for health of mind and body.
Published medical studies have shown benefits, such as pain relief, improved balance and reduced falls. You will learn warmup exercises, six basic and six advanced moves and a cooldown during the 16 one-hour classes. Harmony of inner and outer self comes from integrating mind and body, which can be achieved through the ongoing practice of tai chi. Learn more from the MU Extension Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention website.
Walk With Ease
Whether you need relief from arthritis pain or just want to be active, the Arthritis Foundation’s six week Walk With Ease program can teach you how to safely make physical activity part of your everyday life. The program is proven to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve your overall health. It includes a guidebook and a walking schedule to get you safely moving toward better health. Walk With Ease is offered as a self-guided course or in a community setting – choose the format that best suits you. Learn more from the MU Extension Walk With Ease website.
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Chronic illnesses such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, heart disease, diabetes and more can present an array of challenges including treating the condition, managing pain, tracking medications and appointments, and adjusting routines and behaviors. MU Extension offers the following programs to empower individuals and caregivers to face these challenges and manage a healthy life with chronic conditions. Classes include Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Diabetes Self-Management Program, Chronic Pain Self-Management Program and Workplace Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Learn more from the MU Extension Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions website.
Performance Nutrition: The Competitive Edge
Performance Nutrition: The Competitive Edgewas developed to help athletes, parents and coaches learn the basics of fueling up for competition. Our six-module program shows how to use proper nutrition before, during and after competition to help athletes perform their best and avoid injury.
Performance Nutrition is a multifaceted program that covers pre-competition and post-competition nutrition and other high-profile sports nutrition issues that we can tailor to your school, business or activity group. Learn more from the MU Extension Performance Nutrition website.